Children’s shop planned in Tonganoxie

A Tonganoxie woman and her daughter hope to establish a children's shop, where toys and clothing could be purchased for a discount price.

Becky Carey explained that she and her mother, Dianna Towell, now are taking donations for the project. But because they do not yet have a building for the shop in Tonganoxie, the two plan on holding two benefit garage sales to help them raise money for a shop.

"We just don't have the funds yet," Carey said.

The ultimate goal is to provide a workplace for residents of a group home who have cerebral palsy. Towell founded the Cerebral Palsy Residential Alternative group home, which is in Basehor. CPRA is a not-for-profit entity.

"Mom started the group home because she has a sister who has cerebral palsy," Carey said. "A lot of the residents there don't have a lot of income."

So Towell thought a children's shop might give residents an opportunity to learn some living skills.

"They could put clothes out, greet customers, make some money for extras," Carey said. "They would come over to Tonganoxie from Basehor, and their day services would be part of the shop."

Once it opens the children's shop will feature clothing and toys for children up to 8 years old, Carey said.